Madrid, May 2009

The top image is the statue of Velazquez, in front of the Velazquez entrance to the Prado Museum. The museum's outstanding collection of Spanish and Italian baroque inspired me. Experiencing first-hand what you consider the best work ever done in your field is truly inspiring.

The lower photo was taken in the courtyard of the Escorial, a monastery/palace located in the mountains about an hour outside of Madrid. As I read in a guide book, the clear mountain air has left the massive 16th century stone building looking new. There are more great paintings; some great frescos by Luca Giordano, including a huge tour-de-force ceiling; a room full of old maps with various interesting conceptions of the earth's geography; and a crypt with elaborate memorials to many of Spain's kings.

I hope to be able to return to Madrid, and spend more than a week there next time. 

Here are a couple of photos of the setup for my pre-oral exam. The large one with the people waving represents my most reecnt effort.

critique

Here's a view of the setup for my critique this past Tuesday. The larger one has the most figures I have put into a painting. Personally, I like the feeling of it.

Here's a quick update on some of what I've been working on. Photo lighting is not too good, but gives an idea. Along with these paintings is a portrait commission still relatively early in its development.

Lot of flu going around here. I've had about a week of barely feeling energetic enough to stand up. But it's had the welcome effect of reintroducing some gratitude for my usual comparatively good health and life.

And it's nice to have a blog to talk to! (But facebook looks kind of complicated.)

IU MFA Painting Show

Here are the three paintings I have on display at the IU Graduate Painting show. The top two paintings ("Tall" and "Morgan Hall") are about 24"x17" and 38"x22", the bottom one ("The Breeze" - after the Dr. Dog song!) is 34"x48".

In my opinion it is a good show, I am proud to be a part of it.